Woodhaven historian to receive top honors

An active Woodhaven civic group named four of its top residents as honorees at the group’s annual fundraiser, slated for this October.

Woodhaven historian Allan Smith and Schmidt’s Candy shop owner Margie Schmidt were named the respective Man and Woman of the Year by the Woodhaven Residents Block Association along with two other noteworthy awards to be doled out at the group’s 43rd annual fundraiser on Oct. 10. Other honorees the group announced for this year included Paul Casiliadis of the Avenue Diner for Business of the Year and Lewis’ of Woodhaven for the Woodhaven Hall of Fame.

“We are excited to celebrate the contributions of some people and businesses who are very important to Woodhaven,” said WRBA President Martin Colberg. “This year’s fundraiser will not only recognize some deserving honorees.  It will also help the Block Association continue its good work for another year.”

Smith has long been an active member of the Woodhaven community and played an active role in the community’s Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society, the WRBA said. One of his greatest accomplishments, the group said, included his work preserving and raising awareness of Woodhaven’s rich and eventful past.

Schmidt, who owns the Jamaica Avenue Schmidt’s candy, was chosen for building her business into a Woodhaven fixture for almost 90 years, the WRBA said. Her grandfather started the store those many years ago before passing it down to her, allowing her to carry on the family tradition.

Vasiliadis of the Avenue Diner was chosen for Business of the Year because the WRBA said his diner quickly established itself as an anchor business along Jamaica Avenue with a full menu of top-notch food. The diner has also been a staunch supporter of the WRBA.

Lewis’ of Woodhaven was chosen as an inductee for the Woodhaven Hall of Fame because of its work in providing Woodhaven residents with “just about anything they needed,” the WRBA said. While the businesses may have since left Jamaica Avenue, the WRBA said it would never forget the work it did for the community.

The fundraiser was scheduled for Oct. 10 at Roma View Fine Catering at 160-05 Cross Bay Blvd. at 7:30 p.m., the WRBA said. All the money raised will go towards the group’s continued operation.